Associate Degree in Specialized Business: Accounting Management
Majors Overview May 6, 2013Associate degree in specialized business is not commonly found at private or public non-profit colleges and universities. However, students may pursue Associate of Science (A.S.) or Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degrees in accounting that will prepare them for various entry-level careers in accounting through knowledge of business computations, business law, and transactions.
A.S. Degree in Accounting
Students enrolled in a two-year Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) or an Associate of Science (A.S.) degree program can acquire the training and knowledge needed for entry-level positions after they graduate from the program. Schools usually offer degrees in accounting and not in accounting management. Strong business skills are acquired by students in this program, and they will become adept at accurately using computer software for payroll, reporting and accounting functions. They also gain expertise in interpreting tax laws and financial statements, communicating in business settings and applying knowledge of technology to accounting. Admission criteria require applicants to hold a general educational development (GED) certificate or a high school diploma.
Program Coursework
In an associate degree program in accounting, students take courses in various types of accounting, as well as management and business courses, to prepare them for roles as accounting professionals. Associate degree program in accounting usually includes the following course topics:
•Economics
•Management
•Business communications
•Computer applications for accounting
•Federal income tax
•Cost accounting
•Managerial accounting
•Financial accounting
Career Options
The majority of accounting positions require a minimum of a high school diploma, though some companies might only accept candidates who hold an associate degree, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS – www.bls.gov). According to the BLS, accounting job duties vary depending on the experience of a clerk and company’s size, but most oversee the financial records of an organization or business. Additionally, they follow tax laws, take care of bank transactions, monitor interest and accounts, and track expenditures. Accounting associate degree program graduates may obtain the following job titles:
•Auditing clerk
•Bookkeeping clerk
•Accounts receivable clerk
•Accounts payable specialist
•Accounting assistant or clerk
Information on Continuing Education
Students enrolled in an associate degree program in accounting can seek entry level jobs in the field; alternatively, they may consider transferring to a four-year bachelor’s degree program in management, accounting or business. As noted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, students should consider becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), which requires successful completion of an examination, as well as additional credits beyond a standard bachelor degree.
